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Government will not tolerate any form of violence, abduction, trafficking, mutilation or killing of persons with albinism, Northern Province Permanent Secretary, Beauty Undi-Phiri has warned.
Undi-Phiri said beliefs that body parts of persons with albinism could bring wealth, power or good fortune were false, inhumane and criminal.
She was speaking during the Provincial Dissemination Workshop on the National Action Plan for the Protection of Persons with Albinism held at Wamulungwe Lodge in Kasama District on Monday.
The workshop is aimed at promoting the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) in Northern Province, one of four focus provinces under the “Out of the Shadows for Good” project, alongside Muchinga, Luapula and Eastern provinces.
Undi-Phiri said the meeting was an important milestone in strengthening collaboration, raising awareness, clarifying institutional responsibilities and developing practical strategies to protect and promote the inclusion of persons with albinism.
She noted that Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, officially launched the National Action Plan on April 17, 2026.
The plan, she said, was Zambia’s response to the African Union Plan of Action on Albinism and provided a comprehensive framework for addressing challenges faced by persons with albinism, including attacks, stigma, discrimination and social exclusion.
Undi-Phiri explained that albinism was a non-contagious genetic condition affecting the production of melanin in the body, but myths and harmful misconceptions continued to expose affected individuals to discrimination and violence.
She emphasised that every Zambian was entitled to constitutional protection, dignity, security, equality and the right to life, regardless of physical appearance or genetic condition.
Undi-Phiri also noted that Zambia had joined other African countries, including Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Uganda, in developing dedicated national action plans for persons with albinism.
She said the NAP focused on preventing human rights violations, protecting the rights to life, health and education, strengthening accountability and access to justice, and promoting equality and non-discrimination.
Undi-Phiri said Government remained committed to inclusive development and equal opportunities for all citizens.
However, she acknowledged that challenges persisted, including stigma and discrimination in schools, limited access to sunscreen and specialised skin and eye healthcare services, as well as low awareness levels in some communities.
She called on the health sector to strengthen access to sunscreen and dermatological services, while urging education authorities to ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for learners with albinism.
Undi-Phiri further urged the Zambia Police Service, the Judiciary and the National Prosecution Authority to ensure that offences committed against persons with albinism were swiftly investigated and prosecuted.
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